By Becky Usman
The Federal Government is actively seeking collaboration with the Kano State government to improve water supply and boost food security nationwide. This initiative will focus on the development of additional dams, water supply systems, irrigation, and hydropower projects.
During his visit to the Hadejia-Jama’are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA) in Kano, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Terlulum Utsev, emphasized the ministry’s eagerness to work together with state governments to expand irrigable lands, enhance agricultural production, improve water supply, and ensure food security.
Prof. Utsev highlighted the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to supporting the activities of the HJRBDA, an agency of the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation. He outlined his vision for strengthening River Basin Development Authorities through capacity building and increased funding, with the aim of aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Food Security Agenda.
The Minister recognized the achievements of the Kano Irrigation Project, a joint effort of HJRBDA and the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, in developing vast agricultural lands for irrigation.
In his commitment to ensuring food security for all Nigerians, the Minister highlighted the ongoing and completed projects in Kano State, which include dams, irrigation systems, water supply, and sanitation facilities. He stressed the importance of safeguarding and maintaining these projects to ensure their sustainability.
Prof. Utsev also underscored the significant socio-economic benefits of these initiatives, not only for Kano and Jigawa States but for other regions in Northern Nigeria and the entire nation.
In response, the Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, represented by Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, acknowledged the challenges in the state’s water sector and expressed the state government’s readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government to address these issues. He welcomed the Water and Sanitation Minister’s appointment and expressed anticipation of his effective delivery on his mandate.
During his visit, the Minister inaugurated the Engineering Design Office of the Hadeija-Ja’amare River Basin Authority and conducted inspections at the Chalawa bottled water plant, as well as the Information and Debriefing center projects. These projects are set to be commissioned soon at the River Basin’s headquarters, furthering the goal of enhancing water supply and food security in the region.